Innovative project looks to harness cutting-edge design to support Dementia sufferers

International researchers gathered in the Midlands to start work on a ground-breaking new design project, called ‘MinD’, which will harness cutting-edge design to benefit people with dementia.

Representatives from Germany, Luxemburg, Spain, the Netherlands and Australia spent two weeks in the UK to learn more about mindfulness and how it can be applied with design to help people with dementia.
 
The visitors were hosted partly by the University of Wolverhampton (the project coordinator) and partly by Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.
 
The researchers participating in the MinD project will be developing innovative mindful design solutions, including wearable designs as well as environmental interventions to support social engagement. The designs are aimed at enabling individuals to manage their condition, develop perceptions of self-empowerment, and build confidence.
 
Professor Kristina Niedderer (pictured), Project Co-ordinator, said: “The project is unique in bringing together expertise in design, dementia care and policy, mindfulness and ICT. Design will help adopt a human centred approach by embracing the needs and wishes of people with dementia and harnessing technical solutions to support them. In this collaborative approach, researchers will work closely with people with dementia, relatives and caregivers to offer insights and advice to the project and help with the design development.”
 
The University of Wolverhampton contributes expertise in mindfulness, design and ICT, and Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust focused on mindfulness and dementia care to facilitate this interdisciplinary research project.

For more information, go to the MinD project website at www.designingfordementia.eu